NOTE: The final issue of this report was December 2002. These reports are provided
as a historical reference. A minimal number of indicators are being updated in the
White House Economic Statistics Briefing Room.
Highlights
File Formats
U.S. highway vehicle-miles traveled declined nearly 1 percent in March 2001
compared to March 2000.
The price of public transportation (seasonally adjusted) increased 1 percent from April
to May of this year, but declined nearly the same 42 amount when compared with May of last year.
The price U.S. industries paid for crude petroleum declined nearly 3 percent in May
2001 compared to May 2000, while the price for 44 petroleum products rose over
13 percent over the same period.
Employment in transportation and transportation-related industries increased slightly
in May 2001 as total civilian employment showed a 54 slight decline.
Manufacturing inventory to sales ratio increased nearly 1 percent in April 2001 from
the previous month. The ratio has been on a 72 generally upward trajectory since
reaching its low point in March 2000.
Manufacturers’ new orders fell 3 percent (seasonally adjusted) between March and April
2001, and are down 14 percent since reaching 73 their peak in June 2000.
Sales of medium and heavy trucks were 23 percent lower in May 2001 compared to May 2000.
Car sales were 2 percent lower. 76 Light trucks showed little change.
The value of goods carried in U.S. truck trade with Canada and Mexico declined 10 percent
and 5 percent, respectively, in March 2001 84 compared to March 2000.
The validity of these statements has not been statistically
tested. BTS is designing a statistical monitoring process in order to
apply statistical quality control techniques to the indicators data.
